Explanations of Attachment - Learning Theory

Question 1

Cupboard love approach

Answer 1

Emphasises the importance of the attachment figure as a provider of food

Question 2

Classical conditioning

Answer 2

Food (UCS) produces pleasure (UCR). The mother (NS) is associated with pleasure and becomes the CS

Question 3

Operant conditioning

Answer 3

Crying leads to feeding (positive reinforcement). Food satisfies the infants hunger and makes it feel comfortable again (drive reduction). Food is primary reinforcer, mother is associated with food and becomes a secondary reinforcer

Question 4

Strength of learning theory

Answer 4

• Role of conditioning (eg. Baby may associate warmth and comfort with particular adult, influencing attachment)

Question 5

Limitations of learning theory

Answer 5

• Counter-evidence (eg. Schaffer & Emerson found primary attachment figure not always the person who feeds the child)
• Social learning theory (eg. Hay & Vespo suggest parents model and reinforce attachment behaviours like hugging)
• Environmentally reductionist (eg. S-R links too simplistic)